Sprint's WiMAX network set for October launch

Oct. 8 date set for launch of high-speed wireless data network

After months of anticipation, Sprint Nextel will make its WiMAX network available commercially for the first time in Baltimore next month.

On Oct. 8, Sprint, Intel and other companies will host a WiMAX commercial launch party that will give live demonstrations of WiMAX devices and technology. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse will address the gathering, as will Sprint’s Xohm CTO Barry West.

The commercial launch of Sprint’s WiMAX network will mark both the start of the carrier’s high-speed data services, as well as the end of the carrier’s long quest to get its network up and running. Some had questioned Sprint’s commitment to rolling out WiMAX services last year after ex-CEO and WiMAX proponent Gary Forsee resigned  under pressure from investors who had expressed concern at the company’s commitment to the technology. The mobile broadband technology’s future was further clouded after Sprint and rural carrier Clearwire called off their plans to jointly build out a nationwide WiMAX network last November.

But after securing investments from several major tech and communications companies – including Google, Intel, Comcast, Time-Warner Cable and Bright House Networks – Sprint and Clearwire teamed up again to create a $14.5 billion WiMAX venture. The group’s goal has been to roll out services in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago this fall, with plans to launch the technology on a wider basis nationwide next year.

To continue reading, register here to become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

After months of anticipation, Sprint Nextel will make its WiMAX network available commercially for the first time in Baltimore next month.

On Oct. 8, Sprint, Intel and other companies will host a WiMAX commercial launch party that will give live demonstrations of WiMAX devices and technology. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse will address the gathering, as will Sprint’s Xohm CTO Barry West.

The commercial launch of Sprint’s WiMAX network will mark both the start of the carrier’s high-speed data services, as well as the end of the carrier’s long quest to get its network up and running. Some had questioned Sprint’s commitment to rolling out WiMAX services last year after ex-CEO and WiMAX proponent Gary Forsee resigned  under pressure from investors who had expressed concern at the company’s commitment to the technology. The mobile broadband technology’s future was further clouded after Sprint and rural carrier Clearwire called off their plans to jointly build out a nationwide WiMAX network last November.

But after securing investments from several major tech and communications companies – including Google, Intel, Comcast, Time-Warner Cable and Bright House Networks – Sprint and Clearwire teamed up again to create a $14.5 billion WiMAX venture. The group’s goal has been to roll out services in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago this fall, with plans to launch the technology on a wider basis nationwide next year.

WiMAX is a wireless data standard that operates on the 2.5GHz frequency band and that can achieve speeds of up to 10Mbps over a span of 10 kilometers in some areas. Because of its ability to provide fast wireless broadband coverage of fairly large areas, WiMAX is seen by some analysts as an ideal technology to bring broadband connectivity to underserved rural areas in the United States, as well as developing countries such as India.

Read more about wireless & mobile in Network World's Wireless & Mobile section.